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New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor quietly becomes ODI behemoth

When you talk of the best batsmen in limited overs cricket, names likes Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jonny Bairstow come to mind.

India captain Kohli is by far and away the most dominant batsman in ODI cricket and his recent record proves that. Since the beginning of 2018, Kohli has amassed 1,202 runs in 14 matches at an average of more than 133 with six centuries and three fifties. Those numbers are almost unheard of and he has been at it for a few seasons, mastering the art of batting in ODI cricket and becoming the all-time best in the format.

In the period mentioned above, only two other batsmen have scored more than 1000 runs in ODIs – Rohit (19 ODIs) and Bairstow (22 games). To match Kohli’s numbers takes some doing and no one has done it successfully.

But one batsman has dared to do so and has come fairly close to Kohli’s numbers. New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor doesn’t pop up on many cricket followers’ radar when talking about ODI batting. But a look at his numbers in the last 12 months make for incredible reading.

In his last 14 ODIs, Taylor has amassed 920 runs at an average of 92 with three tons and six fifties. He crossed fifty in his last six innings and scored the 20th ton of his career in the third ODI against Sri Lanka.

Taylor has vision problems for some time and it was feared it might cost him his career. But the Kiwi middle order batsman returned from that medical scare with renewed vigour.

That New Zealand are one the most consistent performers in all formats and conditions is down to the synergy between veterans like Taylor and stars like Kane Williamson, and bowlers Tim Southee and Trent Boult. Taylor is providing the solidity in the middle which allows Kiwi batting to flourish in all conditions and against all opposition.

In Taylor, the Kiwis have yet another highly effective player who goes about his business with the minimum of fuss. The Blackcaps are so likeable that their fine record slips under the radar; they beat Pakistan in Tests in the UAE 2-1, thrashed England by an innings at home and in ODIs have won 11 out of 16 matches. That’s as great as Taylor’s run in ODIs.

After his 20th ODI century – most by a Kiwis – this week, Taylor said he just wants to make the most of this form in a World Cup year. “It was nice to get the 20th hundred, I would have taken that at the start of my career. I’m getting old, so hopefully, I’ve got a few more in me”. He definitely has a few more up his sleeve.

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